Our Vision
Through outreach, education, and advocacy, in pursuit of a more compassionate society, The Women's & Gender Equity Center envisions a safe, empowering, collaborative, inclusive, and liberating, social justice focused campus environment where all students, regardless of their gender or sexual identity, thrive academically, personally, socially, and professionally.
The Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University Women's & Gender Equity Center envisions being part of a community where students:
- feel safe expressing all aspects of their identities
- can achieve their academic goals
- are safe from interpersonal violence
- are supported in their work to create equity
- inspire others to act in challenging oppression
The programs and services the Women's and Gender Equity Center (W&GEC) offers are rooted in advocacy, community building, education, self-empowerment, justice and equity. Through our many programs and services, we strive to:
- Provide a space for respectful dialogue about gender, gender equity, and sexuality
- Illuminate the interrelationship of sexism, homophobia, transphobia and gender bias & violence
- Create a campus free of violence and hate
- Educate and inform on current issues impacting marginalized communities across the gender and sexuality spectrum
- Provide leadership opportunities
- Advocate on behalf of survivors of sexual, hate, dating and gender-based violence
- Foster a thriving community of women, LGBTQIA, and men leaders
- Be a portal to campus and community resources on women, LGBTQIA, and the many intersections of identity (e.g., race, class, ability, etc...)
History
The ODU Women's Center founded in October 1976. In 2021, they were renamed the Women's & Gender Equity Center, where they continue to provide information and support to women students through a variety of educational programs. It also provides advocacy to victims of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and sexual harassment on campus.
Approximately 1,000 items, including newsletters, event fliers, brochures, memos, annual reports, photographs, and newspaper clippings were given to the University Archives in July 2011 and added to an existing collection of papers through 2004.
Values
We are committed to advocating for the voices, needs, and experiences of students by providing responsive services and fostering inclusive environments where every student feels seen and supported. In partnership with faculty and staff, we champion policies, programs, and practices that remove barriers, affirm students’ lived experiences, and promote equity across campus.
We believe in the power of collective impact. By working hand-in-hand with campus partners, including faculty, staff, and community partners, we co-create programs and services that reflect the needs of our student body. Through shared ownership and open dialogue, we strengthen a campus culture where all students can thrive and feel a true sense of community.
Our office cultivates student leadership grounded in identity, integrity, and purpose. We design intentional programs that support personal growth and empower students to lead with authenticity.
We prioritize the holistic wellbeing of students by offering supportive spaces, healing-centered programs, and resources that foster emotional, mental, and social health. In collaboration with campus departments and wellness practitioners, we promote a culture of care that centers student voices.
Our work is rooted in a commitment to cultural humility, recognizing that learning about others experiences is a lifelong journey. Through educational workshops, reflection spaces, and collaborative initiatives with faculty and staff, we create opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect, enhancing a climate where all students feel valued.
We embrace creativity and bold thinking in the design of student services and engagement strategies. By co-developing programs with faculty, staff, and students, we implement forward-thinking approaches that respond to emerging needs, reimagine traditional support systems, and enhance student belonging in meaningful, future-focused ways.
We are dedicated to responsible stewardship of our time, resources, and relationships in service to students. By fostering trust, accountability, and transparency in our work, we ensure our services are accessible and impactful.
We approach our work with purpose and precision, ensuring that each program, partnership, and service is aligned with our mission to support student belonging and success.
We are committed to advocating for the voices, needs, and experiences of students by providing responsive services and fostering inclusive environments where every student feels seen and supported. In partnership with faculty and staff, we champion policies, programs, and practices that remove barriers, affirm students’ lived experiences, and promote equity across campus.
We believe in the power of collective impact. By working hand-in-hand with campus partners, including faculty, staff, and community partners, we co-create programs and services that reflect the needs of our student body. Through shared ownership and open dialogue, we strengthen a campus culture where all students can thrive and feel a true sense of community.
Our office cultivates student leadership grounded in identity, integrity, and purpose. We design intentional programs that support personal growth and empower students to lead with authenticity.
We prioritize the holistic wellbeing of students by offering supportive spaces, healing-centered programs, and resources that foster emotional, mental, and social health. In collaboration with campus departments and wellness practitioners, we promote a culture of care that centers student voices.
Our work is rooted in a commitment to cultural humility, recognizing that learning about others experiences is a lifelong journey. Through educational workshops, reflection spaces, and collaborative initiatives with faculty and staff, we create opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect, enhancing a climate where all students feel valued.
We embrace creativity and bold thinking in the design of student services and engagement strategies. By co-developing programs with faculty, staff, and students, we implement forward-thinking approaches that respond to emerging needs, reimagine traditional support systems, and enhance student belonging in meaningful, future-focused ways.
We are dedicated to responsible stewardship of our time, resources, and relationships in service to students. By fostering trust, accountability, and transparency in our work, we ensure our services are accessible and impactful.
We approach our work with purpose and precision, ensuring that each program, partnership, and service is aligned with our mission to support student belonging and success.